Introduction

A little introduction on the brand. Hada Labo SkinCare line under the joint development of USA’s Mentholatum Company and Japan’s Rohto Pharmaceuticals Co.

Using the technology developed through the production of OTC Drugs, Haba Labo skincare line is produced in a Pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, under strict GMP guidelines to ensure Quality, Reliability and Effectiveness in their products.

Hada Labo was launched in Japan in 2004 and received massive support in a short span of time. It’s Star Product – the Super Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion is the No.1 Face Lotion in Japan with one sold every 4 seconds!

The AHA/BHA Cleansing was inspired by the smoothness and delicateness of an unshelled egg, – hence the name tamago(egg)hada(skin) AHA-BHA Cleanser – this ‘eggquisite’ cleanser contains AHA and BHA (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) to give clarity , brightness, and promote skin cell renewal by preventing dead skin cell buildup. This gentle cleanser lathers into a fine, velvety foam to prevent blemishes and polishes away dullness for a renewed skin everyday.

Packaging

Note that since this product has different factories, the packaging will differ. The South East Asia Hadalabo products are manufactured in China while the ones in Japan/Korea/Hong Kong are the ones manufactured in Japan. I had a problem with the essence i bought, the product was missing it’s pump, but that’s what you get when your products are made in China! However the company was very efficient and DHL-ed a new bottle with the pump all the way to Paris.

The cleanser comes without a box and comes in a blue greenish tube and is sold in various sizes.

Note that there is also a FOAM version of this cleanser and it is not yet available in the South East Asian market.

1) Butylene Glycol – This chemical is a preservative used to keep skincare and beauty products from spoiling. Butylene Glycol (BG) is also a humectant, a chemical that helps your skin (or other substances) retain moisture. It is also a solubilizer, which means it makes other substances (such as fat) more soluble in water. It also has a fair share of its controversies – depression, vomiting, drowsiness, coma and respiratory failure are one of its side effects. Restrictions have been placed on how much of this chemical can be used in skincare products and cosmetics. According to some experts, it’s not enough. Many mainstream brands at Macy’s, Bloomies, Neiman’s etc., have even found ways to circumvent the restrictions; using just enough of this chemical to be sold legally. And on the Cosmetic Database, it has shown strong evidence on human irritant. It has also shown effects on organs, reproductive system, the brain, the nervous system, the endocrine system. Sounds like this might be worse than parabens or Sodium Laureth Sulfate itself eh? PEG-20M is also used here. PEG is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol. The number in the name is the average number of units, or monomers, of ethylene glycol. Just great !

3) Stearic Acid – Esters of stearic acid with ethylene glycol (PEG) , glycol stearate and glycol distearate, are used to produce a pearly effect in shampoos, soaps, and other cosmetic products. They are added to the product in molten form and allowed to crystallize under controlled conditions. So, this is the ingredient that gives the pearly color effect of the Hadalabo cleanser!

4) Glycolic Acid – Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest α-hydroxy acid(AHA). Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel. Glycolic acid is used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture. It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions, including actinic keratosis,hyperkeratosis, and seborrheic keratosis. Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This allows the stratum corneumto be exfoliated, exposing live skin cells.

6) Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) – Potassium Hydroxide is used in the cosmetic and skin care industry as a pH adjuster or bufferer in a wide variety of formulas. It has a unique ability to attract water molecules from its environment, and ultimately dissolve into the water that it had originally absorbed, balancing the formula without creating excess weight or changing the composition. Read more : here

7) Lauric Acid – Lauric Acid is the main fatty acid in coconut oil as well as palm kernel oil; it is also found in human milk, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk. It is used in beauty products and skin care because of its moisturizing abilities, and is also recognized as an acne-fighter thanks to its anti-microbial properties.

8) Sorbitol – Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol, C6H14O6 found in nature as the sweet constituent of many berries and fruits best known from Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan or European Rowan). Sorbitol retains moisture on the skin and leaves it feeling soft.

9) Salicylic Acid – is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many skin-care products for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, and warts. It works as both a keratolytic and comedolytic agent by causing the cells of the epidermis to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing bacteria within, preventing pores from clogging up again by constricting pore diameter, and allowing room for new cell growth.

Texture & Scent

This cleanser is rather thick and dense in texture. It also has a pearly effect on it! It smells a little like aspirin but doesn’t cause any discomfort.

Water definitely needs to be applied with the cleanser before spreading it on the face as its texture is rather dense and thick to be spread across the face.

Once water is applied, mix it together and lather it until foam is formed and now you are ready to clean your face! As not much foaming agents were used here, there isn’t much foam. However it doesnt cause any problems as it doesn’t affect its cleansing power.

Cleansing Power

Cleansing power is rather good!

However, my skin felt dry after cleansing, and i don’t quite like the feeling after cleansing. Perhaps it’s because of Winter, but i doubt so. I’m sure this cleanser wouldn’t be a problem if you’re staying in a tropical country where it’s sunny all year long, but for those of us who go though winter, this cleanser might be drying and for those with dry skin, you might as well look for another cleanser!

Before Cleansing :

After cleansing ( Moisture level dropped ! )

Conclusion

Other than the ingredient butylene/ethylene glycol that is present here, i find this cleanser quite a good value for money. It is rather cheap in South East Asia and it delivers what is promises.

My skin does feel smooth after cleansing and brightens the skin too – though it feels dry. On top of that, this cleanser is free of fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol (it claims to be but Butylene Glycol is an alcohol btw..) and colorant.

AHAs and BHAs helps in exfoliating the skin, but i am rather sceptical here that a few minutes of application would do anything to the skin, and it is washed off after that. You would be better off investing in an AHA BHA based cream. However that said, the AHA/BHA cleanser is less of an irritant than a physical exfoliant as it is a chemical exfoliant. Compared to physical exfoliants, it is more gentle to the skin too.

Repurchase? Most probably not. I would consider using this during summer or during my holidays in Malaysia. If you’re looking for a simple cleanser with a rather cheap price and with oily skin, go ahead and try this. If you have dry skin, try another cleanser, this isn’t for you.

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